Obituary

"All the World's a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrance" Ainsley my friend you've entered, played your part and has left the stage. To those of us who knew him knew that he played this stage well with his broad smile, infectious laugh, loving wet kisses and unique sense of humor that took up the central part of this stage. It is with great sadness that I stand in front of you today to celebrate the life of my friend. Ainsley's life was taken away from us too soon and it is hard to understand why.

Ainsley Delroy Leslie affectionately called " Ains," seventy years old, was born in Westmoreland, Jamaica on April 15, 1947, to parents Linvial Leslie and Dorine Hines. He grew up with his grandmother in Haddo who he was very fond of. His grandmother migrated to England, leaving him at a tender age which forced him to grow up sooner than was necessary. He taught himself everything from cooking to how to be a man. Even though Ainsley did not have a lot of formal education, he was very articulate and eloquent and had no problems presenting himself in a very professional way. He excelled at everything he touched. After leaving school, he relocated to the Montego Bay area in St. James. He started working at an early age of sixteen years old, by his account and held different positions with various Organizations before joining the Jamaica Constabulary Force in 1972.

In 1987, Ainsley migrated to the United States and worked for a large department store before joining the Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services. Over the 23 years he spent there he was a source of inspiration to the young men he came in contact with. He was a father figure, a coach, a mentor and a role model to them. Similarly, he gained the respect of his co-workers and peers and was affectionately called "Pops" by many of them. He retired in 2014.

He was a lover of the outdoors. Always trying to find some space where he can plant his tomatoes, okra and herbs. Ainsley was a lover of life and he lived it to the fullest. He was the best father one could ever have. Always gloating about his kids and grandchildren. His God children (Devana Lindo, Justin, Eric & Jaison McIntosh) were very special to him and he was actively involved in their lives. He was always worried about his family, constantly worrying about their well-being and future, even to the end.

Ainsley was also an avid "cruiser" and on one of his many cruises, he met Hortensa "Jean" Dewalt, who he dated for a while and then asked for her hand in marriage. With this Union, he gained two additional children and four grandchildren. A beautifully blended family of six children and nine grandchildren who he was extremely fond of.

They were married in 2007, and where else, but on a ship. Ainsley spent a lot of time with his friends; friends who have become family. There was his annual men's trip to Jamaica where the women could never attend except for Lavonne who was considered one of the guys and was referred to as Ainsley's deodorant. There were the couples cruises, the annual wedding anniversary celebrations, and our various getaway extended weekend trips. All these vacations were non-stop fun and laughter. Ainsley made them extra special.

After their marriage, Ainsley relocated from the Bronx to Yonkers, courtesy of his wife, leaving behind several distraught friends in the Bronx. Upon retirement, he again relocated, this time to Fairburn Georgia with his partner and best friend Jean. He was so loved and missed that one of the couples, Lloyd and Debbie moved to Georgia also to be close to them. Lloyd and Debbie stepped in on behalf of all the friends in the Bronx and did all they could to provide the family with the support they needed during this time.

Ainsley became ill shortly after retiring and was diagnosed with leukemia. . His wife was always by his side and provided every support he needed. Within a short period of being diagnosed, he was hospitalized and Jean was there every step of the way, day by day. His children flew in to help in his care. With his son Mark being so far away, this did not stop him from video calling to see about his father. Ainsley was so happy to know he had his wife and children by him in the latter days. He was able to express how happy that made him feel. He was always a fighter. During his years as a Police Officer in Jamaica he survived two gunshot wounds and bounced right back. During his illness he was always worried about others, always putting others before himself. A good example:
While in the hospital when the Doctors and Nurses come in to provide care, he would first ask about them and how they were doing. This was very important to him. On his good days he would make sure to call his friends just to touch base and see if they were ok.

Ainsley's booming voice, infectious laughter and beaming smile were the first things that you noticed about Ainsley and once you got to know him you could not help but be impressed and captivated by his integrity, honesty, humor, mischievous and genuine ways. He was very caring, giving, responsible and very resourceful. He was a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and a great friend who made anyone that became a part of his world a better person.

There are several of these persons that are now left to mourn his passing and to rejoice and reflect on the legacy of his life of this great man. They include his lovely wife Jean, his adorable children Mark, Lorna (Chris), Sanshika (Lamont) and Lavonne; grandchildren Tia, Demar, Madison, Jianni and Mylaah; step-children Brent (Shevy) and Joan (Keith) and their children Keith-Jordan, Joel, Josh and Jelani, godchildren a host of siblings and numerous friends and co-workers who must now carry on armed with the many memories of the time spent in the company of this extraordinary man.

Walk good Ainsley, we loved you, we love you and you will forever be a part of our journey.